Mt. Kenya: Chogoria – Sirimon Rout
Mt Kenya is Africa ‘s second highest mountain at 5199m (17057ft) and located in central part of Kenya . It was traditionally regarded as the realm of God by the communities (Kikuyu, Meru and Embu) that live and cultivate its rich soils found in its lower slopes. The mountain is an awe-inspiring sight, with its snow covered peaks which can be seen from far when the weather is clear. Lenana peak at 4985m(16355ft) can be conquered by any fit mountain climber while Batian and Nelion peaks (5199m/17057ft) require climbers with mountain climbing techniques and climbing gear. Climbing takes between 3 and 5 days and is done through various routes through a fascinating world of forests, wildlife, unique mountain vegetation and across streams with crystal clear chilled water.
Day 1: Nairobi
Upon arrival into Jomo Kenyatta International Airport you are met and transferred to your accommodation in Nairobi. This evening there is a welcome dinner & comprehensive briefing with the Climbs Manager and your guide. Overnight Lodge (Dinner)
Day 2: Nairobi-Chogoria
In the morning, we will depart Nairobi and travel north to the eastern slopes of Mount Kenya. We will be driving through some spectacular country as we contour around the valleys of the mountain. In the late afternoon we reach our private camp, which is located at the edge of Mount Kenya’s rain forest (altitude 6,000 feet).
Day 3: Mt. Kenya
In the early morning we will meet our porters and begin the hike through the equatorial rain forest. This forest is the home of elephant, Cape buffalo, and leopard. We may also be fortunate to see Colobus monkey on our walk. After a picnic at 8,000 feet, we spend the afternoon hiking up through bamboo forest to our private camp (altitude 10,000feet.) on the edge of the moorlands.
Day 4: Mt. Kenya
After breakfast, we follow the trail as it leads up through glades of montane forest to our private camp on the shore of Lake Ellis. We arrive at our camp at 11,800 feet in time for lunch. After a short siesta, in the late afternoon we will take an acclimatization hike to the top of nearby Mugi Hill before returning to camp at dusk.
Day 5: Mt. Kenya
The day is spent traversing the eastern moorlands of Mount Kenya, along the edge of the Nithi Gorge. We will have our picnic lunch overlooking this great gorge, above Vivienne Falls. In the afternoon we will hike up the ridge of the Nithi to our private camp at Hall Tarns at 14,500 feet. We will also hike the short distance to the edge of The Temple, establishing ourselves on a vantage point that will provide some of the grandest views on Mount Kenya, as the Nithi Gorge plunges several hundred feet below us to the banks of Lake Michaelson.
Day 6: Mt. Kenya
Leaving our camp at about 4.00 a.m. we leave the vegetation of Hall Tarns behind us, and enter the Alpine Zone – a world of rock, ice, and beautiful mountain lakes. Our destination is Point Lenana (16,355 feet), the third highest peak on the mountain. If the day is clear we can see as far north as Ethiopia, and Kilimanjaro is frequently observed 250 miles to the south. We then descend to the base of The Temple, to our campsite on the shore of Lake Michaelson, 13,500 feet. Our camp will be reached in time for a late lunch. Relaxing afternoon by one of the most beautiful lakes in East Africa.
Day 7: Mt. Kenya
After an early breakfast we hike down the Gorges Valley, skirting the base of the Nithi Gorge and passing Vivienne Falls. We arrive at our 10,000 feet camp in the late afternoon. A festive dinner awaits.
Day 8: Chogoria-Nairobi
In the morning we descend through the bamboo and equatorial forest to meet our vehicles for lunch. An afternoon drive takes us around the northern slopes of the mountain, and on to Nairobi.